Hedgehogs Visit 78% of Gardens That Leave Out Food

More than half of the gardens studied across Cheshire hosted hedgehogs, proving that our backyards have become crucial homes for these spiky neighbors. But researchers discovered one feature mattered far more than ponds, flower beds, or wild patches combined.

Food brought hedgehogs to 78% of gardens where people left out hedgehog meals, compared to just 46% of gardens without food. Even bird food scattered on the ground attracted the nocturnal visitors to 53% of properties.

The study from Nottingham Trent University and Chester Zoo analyzed thousands of trail camera images as part of one of the UK's largest wildlife camera projects for a single species. Hedgehogs across Europe face serious population declines due to habitat loss and vehicle collisions, making urban gardens increasingly vital for their survival.

Lead researcher Kelly Hitchcock, a conservation scholar, found the food connection so powerful it overshadowed every other garden feature. The cameras even captured foxes and hedgehogs peacefully sharing food bowls, despite foxes sometimes preying on hedgehogs.

Gardens with foxes were 70% more likely to host hedgehogs, likely because of the extra food available. Just 28% of surveyed gardens currently leave food out for hedgehogs.

Why This Inspires

This research shows how small, simple actions in our own yards can genuinely help struggling wildlife populations. Volunteers opened their private gardens to science, and many discovered hedgehogs living right outside their doors without ever knowing it.

The collaborative project demonstrates the power of everyday people contributing to conservation. Hundreds of homeowners became citizen scientists, gathering data researchers could never collect alone.

While Hitchcock cautioned that wildlife feeding needs more study to understand potential risks like disease transmission or altered hibernation patterns, the research confirms that gardens matter deeply for hedgehog survival. The team encourages people to continue adding wildlife-friendly features alongside thoughtful feeding practices.

Leah Williams from Chester Zoo celebrated how the project helped participants feel more connected to the hidden life thriving just beyond their doorsteps. Future research will examine how hedgehogs, foxes, and badgers coexist in these shared urban spaces, with public participation continuing to unlock insights into how wildlife and people can thrive together in our changing world.